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S W A N M X R A C E W A Y P A R K

EAST TEXAS TORNADO RELIEF

DELIVERY OF DONATED ITEMS | MAY 10, 2017

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO GAVE

On April 29, 2017, several tornados ripped through East Texas leaving a trail of destruction, devastation, and sadly, even death, in its wake. While those affected struggled to pick up the pieces, neighboring towns sprung into action by helping with clean up, as well as donating necessities to local city officials.

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Before our race last weekend, we were contacted by Laci Harris, the mother of one of our racers. She said that her family was wanting to help the tornado victims in nearby Canton, so they graciously led a donation drive in their hometown in Arkansas. They were able to collect so much that they didn’t have much room left to fit their dirt bikes into their trailer when coming to the races!! We were so amazed at how people from so far away banded together to give to our neighbors here whom they had never even met. What a testimony of sharing God’s love to those in need!

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Laci also suggested having a place set up at the races where racers could bring items to donate. We were able to collect even more items, as well as financial donations! Many people at the races pitched in and gave money, including one generous anonymous racer who matched the contributions and gave $500! We even had a former racer’s family donate via Facebook when they saw our post on social media! The total money raised was $1,000!! What a blessing!!!

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After the races, we called several locations in Canton to see where we could take the donations. They all said the same thing: they were full to the max and could not accept any more donations!! They directed us to check with a smaller town outside of Canton called Fruitvale that had been hit by a tornado as well.

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Knowing that some of our racers live in Fruitvale, we called the family of Jody & April Intlehouse. During our conversation, we learned that Jody’s parent’s home had been hit WHILE they were inside it hunkered down in a closet with their 2-year old grandson!!! They emerged safely from their closet to find that a portion of their home was destroyed and part of their roof was missing.

The shop that once stood behind their home was completely obliterated; only the concrete slab remained.

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After hearing this amazing story, we knew exactly where the money that had been given should go! This couple has been coming to Swan for years to watch their son and grandson race. How fitting that one of our own racer’s family could be blessed by other fellow racers!!! They were so overwhelmed and touched by this outpouring of love.

<– This is what remained of their shop.

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The donated bottled water, food, baby diapers, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, etc. were given to the Manna Food Bank at Grace Bible Fellowship Church and the Hope Pregnancy Center. They were absolutely THRILLED to receive these necessities and repeatedly thanked us!!

Thank you again to everyone who participated and gave.

Your gifts have made a significant difference in many people’s lives.

May God richly bless you!!

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1